This particular bottling belongs to the Cask Strength Collection by Signatory Vintage, it is quite simply brilliant. It originates from a Secret Speyside distillery that has garnered immense popularity over its almost two centuries of crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery’s name begins with the letter M. Distilled on the 11th of July 2005, this release matured for 18 years in a first-fill Oloroso Sherry Butt before being bottled at a robust cask strength of 57.7%. It works out at about the same price as the Macallen 18 sherry oak which is proofed way down at 43% Abv….. (Quite frankly a travesty). If you want to taste what it could be, try this if you can get it. Yes it’s expensive but boy is it worth it. Open it up with a few drops of water and you will be rewarded with what this great distillary’s unadulterated spirit, when it has been sitting in great casks can really deliver. Just like all the other releases in this series, this whisky is presented un-chillfiltered and without any added coloration. Nose: a rich fruity layer of plums, raisins (in rum) and marmalade, as well as hints of maple syrup and red berries. Then milk chocolate, hints of hay and candied ginger. Hazelnuts, old oak, orange peels. A few savoury notes (tobacco) underneath. A classy mix of classic sherry markers. Mouth: At cask it’s robust, the term sherry bomb is appropriate. Dried figs and raisins, mixed with darker notes of cold coffee and black tea, as well as some black peppercorns and stem ginger. Pipe tobacco appears, with chocolate, a dash of sherry brandy and a specific mix of herbal notes and a touch of sourness. A very slight mentholated edge and leathery hints are here too. Finish: long, on caramelized nuts, red berries, black coffee, high quality dark chocolate and brown sugar. Like most of these undisclosed Macallans which have so far proven good, but this one is really good. It reminds me of the rich 105s and A’Bunadhs from the early 2000s. Like the others at this Abv, it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to full cask strength, but water tames it and unlocks many facets. I am currently waiting for payday so that I can catch one for my retirement stash before they disappear.